A Nigerian environmental biologist and research scientist, Dr. Abraham Isah, has achieved a global breakthrough in biotechnology. His research, conducted at the University of Abuja, is the first worldwide to use an integrated “omics” approach—combining proteomics, metabolomics, and ecotoxicogenomics—to assess the environmental impact of genetically modified crops.
Nigerians are making Africa proud, Nigerian scientists are making great impact globally, contributing in various fields of science and technology, biotechnology, space research, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) and so on.
Dr. Abraham Isah has joined the league of outstanding Nigerian scientists like Dr Festus Anagwu, who developed a high-performance, recyclable, and self-healing vitrimeric resin during his Doctorate degree (PhD) at Cranfield University.
On May 2, it was reported that Anagwu’s work on the novel resin had become part of a European aerospace project called PLAEIDES
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Details of the Breakthrough
- Integrated “Omics” Approach: Dr. Isah’s research is groundbreaking because it provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops. Instead of looking at single factors, his method integrates multiple scientific disciplines to understand the full biological and ecological effects of the crops.
- Focus on Cowpea: The study specifically focused on Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, a genetically modified, insect-resistant bean that’s vital to Nigeria’s food security. His findings demonstrated that this transgenic crop is environmentally stable and safe for non-target organisms.
- Global Recognition: Dr. Isah’s work received a prestigious award at the International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR) symposium in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, confirming its significance in the scientific community.
- Impact on Global Agriculture: This research provides critical data for policymakers and scientists, showing how GM crops can be both environmentally friendly and agriculturally beneficial. It offers a robust method for assessing the ecological impact of GM crops, potentially influencing future policy and scientific discourse worldwide.
In other news, another Nigerian scientist, Olatayo Adedayo Olahanmi, has also made a breakthrough in nanoparticle research at Middle Tennessee State University. His work could revolutionize the production of medicines and batteries.
His research introduces a novel method—the first of its kind in the United States—to study a protein linked to Parkinson’s disease, which could pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more effective drug therapies.
